The Ijebu Ode Local Government Council in Ogun State has ordered an immediate suspension of the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing petitions, security reports, and allegations of inducement and irregularities in the succession exercise.
The directive was issued by the council chairman, Dare Alebiosun, in a letter dated January 20, 2026, signed by the council secretary, Oke Adebanjo. The letter was addressed to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Awujale kingmakers, who are responsible for choosing the next monarch.
The council said the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining peace and protecting the integrity of the traditional institution. It referenced the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which grants the government authority to suspend or set aside appointments if they are deemed harmful to peace, order, and good governance.
“Government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower it to set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so,” the letter stated.
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According to the council, the move is a proactive measure aimed at preventing a potential breakdown of peace in the region and safeguarding the sanctity of the Awujale institution. It directed the kingmakers to halt all activities related to the selection process and to await further instructions.
The letter did not disclose specific details of the petitions or security reports that led to the suspension, leaving stakeholders and residents to speculate about the nature of the alleged irregularities.
The development comes amid intense interest and political attention surrounding the succession to the Awujale throne, which is one of the most respected and influential traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
The suspension is expected to slow down the process, but the council emphasized that the action was necessary to ensure that the selection is conducted fairly and without any disruption to public peace.
The community now awaits further announcements from the local government on when the process will resume.